Structure
Hard Hatted Women is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization, incorporated in the State of Ohio. Founded in 1979, Hard Hatted Women originally functioned as a support group for women in nontraditional jobs. It was solely volunteer-operated until it hired its first staff person in 1990. Today, Hard Hatted Women has 6 staff members and an 17 member board of directors.Hard Hatted Women has two areas of focus: Education and Training, and Policy Initiatives. Hard Hatted Women works through this structure to promote economic independence for women on community, state and regional levels.
Education and Training
Education and Training includes Adult and Youth Education Programs. The Adult Education and Workforce Development programs are designed to educate and train women to enter high-wage skilled trade careers. HHW is also dedicated to Youth Education. Educating girls about nontraditional career choices has been on the agenda since HHW’s beginnings. Started in 1998, our educational programming is designed to provide students and teachers with experiences and resources that counter career-related gender bias and sex role stereotypes.
Adult Education and Workforce Development
Youth Education
Policy Initiatives
HHW provides technical assistance to employers and unions, supports retention and advancement of women, and has helped to create a national model for achieving diversity in large-scale construction projects. HHW works to help women become ideal candidates for high-wage employment.
Economic Equity Services